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South Ward Elementary has stood on Fort Harrison Avenue in Clearwater educating the community for more than 100 years. I attended kindergarten there.

Now with the School Board closing South Ward, many are wondering what can be done with the building.

Let's see. It is a sound building, built on the bluff in a non-evacuation zone. Sounds like a good place for a county hurricane shelter. It would be a great, easy way to add more shelter space to a community that needs it.

I think it's a no-brainer!

James Raulerson, Dunedin

Preserve historic

1906 South Ward

I hope they will not tear down the South Ward School. They should keep it, since it was built in 1906. I think it is one of the oldest buildings left in Clearwater.

Clearwater wants to have some history left. They already have torn down the old Memorial Causeway Bridge, the train station, the Little Big Market, and just recently, the old Clearwater Sun newspaper building. I'm glad I was able to get some pictures of it before it was all torn down.

In September 2007, eight residents and senior citizens opposed this rezoning request to permit construction of apartments and homes.

At the April 11, 2008, examiners hearing, 10 residents and two Audubon Society members opposed the rezoning application. A petition with 48 signatures was submitted in opposition to the project.

Last month, 132 signatures contained in letters were delivered to the county Planning and Zoning Department, all in opposition to the project. An additional 325 signatures were delivered to Brian Smith, chairman of the county's Local Planning Agency. In addition, 33 residents attended the public hearing, all opposed to the Bayside Reserves project.

Not one local resident has expressed support for the application!

The County Commission hearing on this case, originally scheduled for June 17, has been delayed until July 22 so the LPA can forward its findings, which will include facts and relevant information gathered from residents. The delay also will give the commissioners time to review the many suggestions, concerns and attachments turned in by the local residents who oppose the project. Residents hope the commission gets their message.

The hearing is set for 6:30 p.m. July 22 on the fifth floor of the County Courthouse, 315 Court St. in Clearwater. Residents will be there and they will be united.

Residents hope the county commissioners are listening and taking their concerns seriously. Quality of life issues, inadequate streets, and serious health and safety issues are just some of the reasons residents object. Enough already! Vote no.

Rick Shott, Clearwater

Neutering pets is not so expensive

I just saw something very tragic on the Friends of Strays marquee: "Over 300 cats for adoption."

I cannot believe that some people do not spay and neuter their pets. You are the most ignorant people on this planet. And the ones that dump their pets for whatever reason — there is not one reason good enough — you are the most uncaring people on this planet.

With so many ignorant and uncaring people on this earth, no wonder it's a mess. Please spay and neuter your pets. There are so many discount programs available.

Belinda Blease,Largo

>>your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.